RE: Re: Entry Level OTD

[Redge Campbell]

List and Betsy,   I think all of Betsy's points are well thought out with the following exceptions.  I see little if any improvement in qualifications for a clinical position with the addition of the entry level doctorate and as an employer of therapists, would grant no advantage to an entry level doctorate applicant than any other applicant.  In fact I would have worries that the goals of this applicant were not consistent with my expectations of a clinical therapist.  Would a OTD still be willing to perform basic ADL training in a hospital or nursing home?  And more importantly, would that candidate be willing to perform this over a long course of employment?        My second point and one of strong disagreement is the assumption that an OTD provides the necessary qualifications for an academic position.  Any educational instituion that chose to instruct students with OTD as the only requirement for the position is certainly short changing the academic process.   Redge L Campbell MS OTR/L Director of Rehabilitation Services Harrison Hospital Bremerton, WA  98310 360.792.6531 >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 10/18/01 03:23PM >>> I'm also a second year student at Wash U (Hi Andrea!), but I have decided to do the OTD. Frankly, it was an extremely difficult decision, one I am still struggling with. One of the main reasons I chose to give it a go was because I wanted to do guided research and clinic work in another concentration area. (my interest is Assistive Technology in work and industry. I am doing my masters project on work and industry and my third year on AT-so it fits my career goals nicely) I also did a lot of research on what OTs in the field thought, I got mixed messages. Some said that it was a wonderful opportunity and others felt that a master's degree is excellent enough. some other pros are: -it gives you an edge later in your career when you want to take on academic or supervisoral positions -squeeze out more contacts from faculty members -additional supervision in the clinic -an extra fieldwork (which at Wash U is specifically tailored to your interests) -additional research experience and coursework Cons: -when you first get out in the field, it does nothing to help you get more money or a job -some clients and coworkers may be intimitated by the "Dr" or it may be confused with a PhD and MD. -tuition costs -your license is the same as a person with a Bachelor's or Master's degree -just because PTs are becoming doctors do we need to also? is this a race? -many master's programs offer an optional 3rd fieldwork anyway Hope that helps! Betsy >I am a second year OT student at Washington University School of Medicine >in St. Louis, MO.  The director of our program introduced the OTD to the SNIP >> What are readers' opinions about entry-level OTD programs?  Pro and con... >> >> Thanks, >> >> Ron __________________________________________________________________ Your favorite stores, helpful shopping tools and great gift ideas. Experience the convenience of buying online with Shop@Netscape! http://shopnow.netscape.com/ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape Mail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com/ ******************** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED]  In the message's body, put the following text: